Do We Still Have to Tithe Today?

by Kathy Kirk, Faith, The First Step To Financial Freedom

Our main purpose in life is to lead people to Christ. This can be done in many ways but one way is by supporting the church through tithes. Research shows that only 8% of born again Christians tithe. Some Christians do not tithe because they are confused about what role tithing plays in our lives since we are no longer under the law of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament giving was under the law, an obligation and a requirement to tithe (10% giving). New testament giving is quite different. It is an opportunity to give because of God’s grace. It is a way to demonstrate our love for the salvation that God has given us. We are not obligated to give 10% like the Old Testament law but are held to a higher standard under grace. Tithing is a way to get us started on giving. You should give sacrificially with all of your heart. In 2 Corinthians 8:3-8 NLT, Paul talks about the Macedonians giving. He says, “ Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. …This is one way to prove your love. Under grace you are not limited to 10%, but should give as God prospers you. The more you have the more you should give.

Giving starts with the heart. If your heart is not nudging you to give, you may want to evaluate your relationship and commitment to God. Some of you may want to give but Satan has you believing that you can’t afford to give with all of the debt and responsibilities. Trust in God and take Him at His Word.

Tithing will take prayer and energy. Tithing requires discipline. Write your tithe check monthly like you do your bills. This way it will become routine for you. Remember, what ever God asks you to do He enables you to do.

Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income. (Prov 3:9-10)

You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord Almighty, while you are all busy building your own fine houses. (Haggai 1:9 NLT)

God said, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord Almighty, “ I will open the doors of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! (Mal 3:10)

Yes, tithing is still applicable today!